Career Development Center Ranks 8th Nationally for Social Media

According to the JobBrander article, “A lot of career centers host employee or advisor panels, but St. Thomas’ is one of the first I’ve seen record and post those panel discussions on YouTube. Genius! The University of St. Thomas’ career center doesn’t just do video though. They share a wealth of interesting and entertaining content for job seekers to fans of their Facebook page and to their substantial Twitter following.”

Career specialist Kristen Murphy said social media is a critical communications tool for the center. “Our goal is really to engage as best we can with students where they are,” she said. The center uses Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and YouTube. Murphy said there are plans to launch an Instagram account in the coming months.

One of the richest sources of content for the center’s social media profiles is the Career Development Center blog, according to Murphy. “All of our career counselors contribute,” she said, noting that the center adheres to an editorial calendar that focuses on delivering topical information to students at important times of the year. “In the fall, you’ll see a lot about major exploration and employers coming to campus. In February, you will read about the Minnesota Private Colleges Job and Internship Fair.”

In addition to original blog content, students also will learn about upcoming seminars and events hosted by the career center, as well as the latest postings for jobs and internships (follow the hashtag #HireTommies).

The JobBrander ranking is a nice accolade for the center, according to Murphy. “The recognition gives us affirmation that people are seeing us and they know we’re making an effort to reach students,” she said. “It’s also letting us know that people are paying attention to our brand and that we need to do more around social media.”